20 things you must see at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

AS the world’s biggest arts festival prepares to start in Scotland's capital city, we check out the 20 shows you should see, in no particular order…

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The 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs from August 1 - 25

THE Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's biggest arts festival and takes place every year in Scotland’s capital city.

Hosted over three weeks, this year’s Fringe will see a host of big-name comics such as Jack Dee, John Bishop, Ruby Wax and Daniel Sloss.

But as the world’s biggest arts festival prepares to start, we check out the 20 shows you should see. In no particular order…

1 The Generation of Z

Brad Pitt brought zombies to Glasgow in World War Z but now it’s Edinburgh’s turn to host the living dead. Audiences will become part of the theatre as they are attacked by zombies and have to make terrifying choices to survive.

Based on true experiences in a Chinese work camp, this is a political and poetic one-woman show. Based on Heather Lai’s seven years in such a camp, it offers a chilling view of a world we don’t get to see.

Another chilling event, it takes place in the warren of underground streets beneath the Royal Mile as the audience find out about the use of pillywinks on witches and meet characters including Half-Hangit Maggie.

Venue: The Real Mary King’s Close, 2 Warriston’s Close

Dates: August 1-24

Tickets: www.realmarykingsclose.com

6 Jimeoin

Pronounced Jim-Owen, he is always a great draw in Edinburgh and brings his ever-evolving live show, Is It…?! Is it what?

There will be a few jokes about independence this August, we reckon, but this is probably where you will find the best ones. Bowie backing the union caused a huge stir and this will keep stirring. Guests including Nicola Sturgeon, Ricky Ross and Brian Cox.

The magician, funnyman and panel show regular is back in Edinburgh for his eighth consecutive festival. His new show is Trickster and he’ll be a bit scary and a bit funny.

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard: Beyond

Dates: July 30-August 24

Tickets www.pleasance.co.uk

9 Boris & Sergey’s Astonishing Freakatorium

You got to love a puppet, especially a potty-mouthed puppet. Six puppeteers operate a duo and Henry Maynard, the artistic director, said: “We pride ourselves on the occasional walkout. If no one leaves, it’s probably too tame.”

Venue: Underbelly’s White Belly, Cowgate

Dates: July 31-August 24

Tickets: 0844 5458252

10 What Does the Title Matter Anyway?

Clive Anderson is back with a show based on his great 90s TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? Greg Proops and Stephen Frost will also star from the original line-up with Josie Lawrence and Mike McShane confirmed to perform some dates.

A female Morecambe and Wise, Liverpool’s answer to French and Saunders. You get the idea. Gillian Hardie and Keddy Sutton are funny. They are funny and their show sees them as Caz N Britney going from Primark to Prison.

Venue: Free Sisters, Gothic Room, Venue 272

Dates: July 31 to August 24

Tickets: 0131 622 6801 and it’s free.

13 Snoutology for Beginnners

Two actors pretending to be dogs. What’s not to love? Features 4D visual aids, animation and 100 pairs of dog ears.

If you haven’t seen this yet, you must – it’s eye-wateringly funny. For fans, this is an hour of new songs and sketches.

Venue: Gilded Ballon

Dates: July 30-August 1

Tickets: 0131 622 6552

20 Simon Munnery sings Soren Kierkegaard

Avant garde, poster alternative, Mr Munnery is one thing. He’s the father of the Fringe. While contemporaries like Steve Coogan and Stewart Lee have had commercial success, he continues to experiment. A must.